Image reading device and method

ABSTRACT

An image reading system prescans and/or scans a film with magnetic recording and image data to be stored in a film cartridge after the film is developed. The image reading system employs a one-dimensional CCD and is capable of recording/reading retrievable ID numbers on a magnetic recording part. A thumbnail display simultaneously displays all image and magnetic information of all frames of a film, and selected frames to be scanned can be easily identified and compared after obtaining the image data of such film through prescanning. Magnetic recording information and image information are rapidly read during prescanning and selected frames are then scanned with more refinement as compared to the coarse scanning of the film during prescanning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image reading device and method. Inparticular, the present invention relates to an image input device thatilluminates a transparent original image, photoelectrically converts theimage light sensed by a one-dimensional CCD into image signals, convertsthe image signals into digital signals after executing various processeson the image signals, and outputs digital signals on a (personal)computer and output equipment.

2. Description of Related Art

Concerning film for use in a camera, film having a magnetic layer isproposed by Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Hei 5-75922.

As described in FIG. 2, such film, regardless of whether the film isunexposed or already developed, is stored in a film cartridge 51 ascontinuous film. Perforations 53 are provided along the top edge of thefilm 52. An exposure section 55, etc., is provided in the centralsection of the film 52. A magnetic recording section 54 is providedalong the bottom edge of the film 52. An aperture unit 51 a and a spool51 b are formed in the film cartridge 51. In addition, JapaneseUnexamined Patent Publication Hei 5-75922 proposes a video monitorretrieval unit to read the film image within the film cartridge 51 witha two-dimensional CCD sensor.

The image reading system is capable of outputting an image obtained byprescanning on a computer monitor. However, when images are read into apersonal computer or the like using the above-described technology, itis impossible to see more than one frame at a time of the images, andonly the magnetic recording information from one frame at a time can beviewed. Consequently, when a user wants to look up a plurality ofinformation items, it is necessary to operate the device as many timesas are frames in the spool of film, which is troublesome. Consequently,this is inconvenient when the aim is to compare a plurality of imagesand information because it is impossible to see the information on themagnetic recording medium simultaneously when there are a plurality ofimages.

In addition, it is not currently possible with prior art devices for theuser to append an identification (ID) number to each film. Consequently,management of the film by the user was, heretofore, difficult.

Moreover, the video monitor retrieval unit disclosed by JapaneseUnexamined Patent Publication Hei 5-75922 only outputs film images asvideo signals. In other words, the image is displayed on the monitor(CRT) one frame at a time. Thus, in the case when shooting imagesequivalent to twelve frames are in the film cartridge 51, the retrievalunit displays one frame at a time on the entire monitor screen.Therefore, if the operator of the camera desires to see a certain frameafter verifying all twelve frames on the monitor, the operator has toremember the number of the desired frame from among the twelve frames.

The video monitor disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent PublicationHei 5-75922 uses a two-dimensional CCD sensor. Two-dimensional CCDsensors with a large number of pixels are expensive, and the distancebetween the photoelectric conversion elements which comprise thetwo-dimensional CCD sensor is uneven due to problems in construction andthe like. Moreover, the sensors with a small number of pixels arerelatively inexpensive, but they are only capable of reading originalscoarsely, resulting in a deterioration of image quality (such as lowresolution). Hence, inexpensive but highly precise reading of filmimages is urgently needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a device that canhandle information from a plurality of images recorded on a magneticrecording layer. In addition, it is another object of the presentinvention to provide a device capable of recording ID numbers on thefilm.

Another object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide animage input device capable of reading film with a magnetic recordinglayer using a one-dimensional CCD sensor.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an imagereading system capable of displaying images of a plurality of frames ona monitor, thus enabling the operator to verify the desired frame in thecase when the shooting images of a plurality of frames are in the filmcartridge 51.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a pictureimage reading device that can read film having a magnetic recordinglayer using a one-dimensional CCD sensor. In particular, it is an objectof the present invention to increase the speed of pre-scan processes inthis device.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is providedphotoelectric conversion device that photoelectrically converts imagesphotographed on film having a magnetic recording part that outputs anelectrical image signal; a retrieval device that retrieves informationrecorded on the magnetic recording unit, and outputs a retrieval signal;a display; and a controller that outputs an image signal to the displaycausing a thumbnail display of a plurality of images on the display andoutputs a retrieval signal to the display causing the display of displayinformation relating to the retrieval signal.

In addition, the image reading device may comprise an image readingdevice capable of handling film with a magnetic recording part, thedevice having a recording device that records recognition information offilm on the magnetic recording part.

The image reading device may further cause the controller to display thethumbnail display of a plurality of images on the display by outputtingimage signals to the display and causing the display of displayinformation relating to the retrieval signal on the display byoutputting retrieval signals to the display. Consequently, when imagesare read into a personal computer or the like, it is possible for theuser to see simultaneously the thumbnail display and information about aplurality of images that are on the magnetic recording layer.

In addition, the image reading device may comprise a recording devicethat records recognition information of film on the magnetic recordingpart, and consequently, the user can easily manage the film.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided amounting unit to mount a cartridge; an extractor mechanism to remove thefilm from the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit; an illuminationdevice to illuminate the film removed from the extractor mechanism; acondenser lens to gather the image of the film illuminated by theillumination device; a one-dimensional photoelectric converter toconvert the image gathered by the condenser lens into electricalsignals; a transport mechanism to transport the film removed from theextractor mechanism; and a transport controller to control the transportmechanism so that the film stops at each line of the photoelectricconverter. This structure enables reading of film images even insidesuch a cartridge using a one-dimensional light source converter.

The image reading device may also enable reading of magnetic recordingdata if the film comprises a magnetic recording layer.

The image reading device may also obtain image signals with one path ifthe light emitting device comprises an RGB three color light emittingsource, since RGB lights are emitted for each line.

The image reading device may also enable reading of an original sincetransporting of film is stopped at each line during transporting of filmin the first direction, and unnecessary transport time duringtransporting of the film in the second direction is shortened since thefilm is transported with a uniform velocity.

The image reading device may also enable reading of magnetic data,especially during rewinding of the original because the magnetic dataare read during transporting of the film in the second direction, whichis the opposite direction from the first direction.

The image reading device may also shorten reading time because theoriginal is transported in such a manner that a section without imagedata (unexposed section) is transported with a uniform velocity withoutstopping the original at each line.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the imagereading system is provided with an image output circuit to output theimage data after receiving light passing through the image on a film; aretrieval circuit to retrieve the magnetic data in a magnetic recordingunit; a first memory circuit to store the image data on a plurality offrames, the amount equivalent to the plurality of image frames, outputfrom the image output circuit during prescanning; a second memorycircuit to store the magnetic data, the amount equivalent to theplurality of image frames, retrieved by the retrieve circuit duringprescanning; and an image processing circuit to process the image dataon the plurality of frames stored in the first memory circuit and todisplay the image data on the monitor based on the magnetic data storedin the second memory circuit.

Since the image data of the plurality of frames obtained throughprescanning are displayed based on the magnetic record information, theoperator can easily specify the frame from among the plurality of framesto be scanned.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the imagereading system of the present invention includes a photoelectricconverter that photoelectrically converts images and outputs electricalimage signals; a feeding device that feeds the film having a framenumber recorded in a magnetic recording part; a detector that detectsthe frames of the film; a frame designating operation unit that, whenoperated, designates at least one of the frames of the film, and outputsa frame designation signal; and a controller that, when a frame havingthe frame number corresponding to the frame designation signal isdetected, controls the feeding device so that the film is fed as far asa position where the photoelectric converter can read the film andcontrols the photoelectric converter so that the image on the designatedframe is photoelectrically converted.

Feeding of the film is controlled on the basis of the detection of framenumbers recorded on the film, the detection being effected by thedetector. Consequently, it is possible to feed the film accurately to adesignated frame and read the image thereon.

Film having in one area a magnetic recording section has been proposed.With regard to this film, it is necessary to read the image informationand the magnetic recording information. In order to read the magneticrecording information, it is necessary for the film to be conveyed at aconstant speed. On the other hand, in order to read the imageinformation with precision, it is necessary to halt conveying the filmafter each line has been conveyed, and to read the RGB signals whileintermittently feeding the film.

However, during prescanning, it is not necessarily required to read theimage information with high precision if the general contents of theimage information and the contents of the magnetic recording informationcan be verified.

Therefore, it is possible to read the image information and the magneticrecording information while conveying the film at a constant speed.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in or apparent from the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the film that can be loaded in the deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control of the device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control of the device according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control of the device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control of the device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating film setting in the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating prescanning and scanning in theembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating thumbnail display and imageprescanning;

FIG. 10 is an exterior view of an embodiment of a scanner using anothertype of film cartridge;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating prescanning and scanning in thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating prescanning and scanning in thesecond embodiment;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are block diagrams illustrating thumbnail displaysduring prescanning;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control of the device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control of the device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a control of the device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a control of the device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a control of the device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a control of the device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a control of the device according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a drawing showing an image;

FIG. 22 is a drawing showing the image adjustment menu;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for film settings in the present embodiment; and

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for pre-scanning in the present embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates the system of the present invention. A scanner 100 isconnected to an external computer 40. The system also includes a monitor41 to display the film images; an operation unit 42, including akeyboard and a mouse; a memory device 43 such as a RAM; a recordingdevice 44 such as a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, or an opticalmagnetic disk drive; and a printer 45, which are connected to thecomputer 40.

Monitor 41 performs displays upon receiving commands from computer 40.Operation unit 42 is an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse or thelike. Recording device 44 such as a hard disk drive or the like recordsdata. A floppy disk drive, an optomagnetic disc drive or the like mayalso be used for recording device 44. A floppy disk drive and anoptomagnetic disc drive record information on recording media such asfloppy disks or optomagnetic discs.

Cartridge loading chamber 1 a of scanner 100 is adapted to receive acartridge 51 of film 52 having a magnetic recording layer, as disclosedin Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Hei 5-75922.

FIG. 2 will be used to describe film 52 having a magnetic recordinglayer.

Film 52 can be housed inside film cartridge 51, on one end of which isattached spool 51 a. On the film 52, a single perforation 53 and amagnetic recording part 54 are provided for each photo frame.

In addition, a “0” frame region, which cannot be photographed onto, isprovided prior to the first photo frame. In the “0” frame region,perforation 53 a and magnetic recording part 54 a are provided.

In addition, on film cartridge 51, information indicating whether film52 has been developed and information indicating the type of film aredisplayed by an optically readable label. The information indicating thetype of film includes information as to whether the film is negative orpositive, information about whether the film is color or black and whitefilm, and information indicating the film manufacturer and model number.

The following data are also recorded in the magnetic recording unit 54for each frame as shooting takes place.

Zoom data if a zoom lens is mounted, F-number data and shutter speeddata obtained from the AE (auto exposure) sensor and the shutter speedsetting dial, data concerning light emission from the strobe, theexposure correction value set by the exposure correction dial, and theshooting date or shooting time are stored.

Next, the configuration of scanner 100 will be described with referenceto FIG. 1.

Microcomputer 2 controls the various devices within scanner 100 uponreceiving commands from computer 40.

Illumination member 10 a is a device used to illuminate film 52.Illumination drive circuit 10 is controlled by a microcomputer 2 inorder to drive illumination member 10 a. Light emitted from illuminationmember 10 a is reflected by mirror 8, collected by lens 9 and reacheslinear image sensor 21, as indicated by optical axis 15. Linear imagesensor 21 is a unit used to convert film images into electrical imagesignals. Image signal processing circuit 22 is used to digitize theimage signal that is read. In addition, when the image signal receivedis a signal from a negative film, image signal processing circuit 22converts the signal into a positive image signal. Frame memory 3 is usedto record image signals output from image signal processing circuit 22.

The lens 9 is a variable power focus lens or a fixed focus lens. If thelens 9 is a variable power focus lens, the reading range of the film 52is magnified or reduced by variable power orders from the computer 40.If the lens 9 is a fixed focus lens, magnification and reduction areexecuted by processing the image data within the computer 40.

Incidentally, there are three methods for obtaining color image signals.First, the illumination unit 10 a can have three different colors oflight source and can form image signals of red, green and blue (RGB) byirradiating each of the RGB colors. The second method is to providefilters with RGB colors between the illumination unit 10 a and aone-dimensional CCD sensor 21 and to form RGB image signals by changingthe color filters. The third method is to provide a color CCD as aone-dimensional CCD sensor 21 to form RGB image signals.

Magnetic heads 25 a and 25 b are used to read information recorded onthe magnetic recording layer of film 52 and are also used to writeinformation onto the magnetic recording layer of film 52, which isdescribed later.

Developed film detector 11 a is an optical reading sensor. Developedfilm detector 11 a detects information indicating whether film 52 hasbeen developed, as well as the name of the manufacturer and whether thefilm is color or black and white and the model number of film 52, byreading the above-described optically readable label on film cartridge51. Developed film detection circuit 11 is controlled by microcomputer 2to drive developed film detector 11 a.

The perforation detection units 17 a and 17 b can be made to detect aperforation 53 optically or to detect a perforation 53 by sendingcurrent through a perforation 53 section using a contact type electricconnector. Perforation detectors 17 a and 17 b are sensors that detectoptical perforations 53. Perforation detection circuit 17 is controlledby microcomputer 2 to drive perforation detectors 17 a and 17 b.

A motor driving circuit 12 drives a motor 113. The driving powergenerated by the motor 13 is transmitted to a spool 51 b through atransmission mechanism 14 including a gear train. Thus, forwarding orrewinding of the film 52 is enabled by controlling the direction and thespeed of the motor 13. Upon rotation of the motor 13, the motor drivingcircuit 12 rotates a pair of rollers 31. The pair of rollers 31 isplaced on the entrance side of the film reading frame.

The motor driving circuit 18 drives the motor 19. The driving powergenerated by the motor 19 is transmitted to the rewinding-side spool 16through a transmission mechanism 21 including a gear train. Thus, bycontrolling the direction and the speed of the rotation of the motor 19,advancing and rewinding of the film 52 are enabled. Upon rotation of themotor 19, the motor driving circuit 18 rotates a pair of rollers 32 and33. The pair of rollers 32 and 33 is placed on the entrance side of thefilm reading frame. Once the film is set, the motor driving circuit 12and the motor driving circuit 18 are synchronized and controlled by themicrocomputer 2. In other words, if the spool 51 b rotates clockwise,the rewinding-side spool 16 also rotates clockwise. However, it is notnecessary that the rotations of the spool 51 b and the rewinding-sidespool 16 have the same speed. The rotation of the rewinding-side spool16 can be made a little faster than the rotation of the spool 51 b. Bythis means, tension can be given to the film, thus preventing curling ofthe film. Moreover, because a pair of rollers 31-33 is provided at theentrance and the exit of the film reading frame, flatness of the film isassured and feeding of the film for each line is enabled.

Incidentally, the rewinding-side spool 16 is shaped such that the tip ofthe film is wound easily, and a convex hook (not shown) that engages theperforation 53 is formed on the spool axis.

In the following illustrated preferred embodiments, the microcomputer 2can be implemented as a single special purpose integrated circuit (e.g.,ASIC) having a main or central processor section for overall,system-level control, and separate sections dedicated to performingvarious different specific computations, functions and other processesunder control of the central processor section. It will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that the microcomputer 2 can also beimplemented using a plurality of separate dedicated or programmableintegrated or other electronic circuits or devices (e.g., hardwiredelectronic or logic circuits such as discrete element circuits, orprogrammable logic devices such as PLDs, PLAs, PALs or the like). Themicrocomputer 2 can also be implemented using a suitably programmedgeneral purpose computer, e.g., a microcontroller or other processordevice (CPU or MPU), either alone or in conjunction with one or moreperipheral (e.g., integrated circuit) data and signal processingdevices. In general, any device or assembly of devices on which a finitestate machine capable of implementing the flowcharts shown in thefollowing figures can be used as the microcomputer 2. As shown, adistributed architecture is preferred for maximum data/signal processingcapability and speed.

Next, the operation of the device of an embodiment of the presentinvention will be described. The mode that produces a thumbnail displayof all the frames of a film 52 simultaneously on the monitor 41 will bedescribed with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 3 and 4. A thumbnaildisplay is a small-size display of the images on the monitor 41.

The user selects the all-frame thumbnail display from a menu displayedon monitor 41, the selection being made using operation unit 42. The IDnumber of the film cartridge is input. The ID number is input inwhatever combination of English characters, Chinese characters andnumbers or the like that the user finds desirable. When this occurs, thecomputer 40 commands of the microcomputer 2 an all-frame thumbnaildisplay. At this time, the flowchart in FIG. 3 is started.

In step S301, the determination is made, on the basis of detectionperformed by developed film detector 11 a, as to whether developed filmcartridge 51 has been loaded in cartridge loading chamber 1 a. When thisdetermination is NO, the microcomputer 2 moves to step S302 and warnscomputer 40 if film cartridge 51 has not been loaded or if film 52 isundeveloped. Computer 40 performs a warning display on monitor 41 inaccordance with the warning received. It would also be acceptable toprovide a display device on scanner 100 and to perform the warning onthe display device. By determining whether a developed film cartridge isloaded, it is possible to prevent undeveloped film from being extractedfrom cartridge 51 erroneously.

When the determination in step S301 is YES, the microcomputer moves tostep S303. In step S303, the film type of film 52 is detected bydeveloped film detector 11 a.

Next, in step S304, a drive signal is output to the motor drive circuit12, and the motor 13 is driven. The drive power of motor 13 istransferred to spool 51 b via transfer mechanism 14. Furthermore, thetip of film 52 is fed out from film exit opening 51 a in the body of thecartridge. Next, in step S305, the microcomputer waits for perforationdetector 17 to detect perforation 53 a of the “0” frame. Whenperforation 53 a is detected in step S305, motor 13 is driven by aspecific amount in step S306, and motor 13 is then halted in step S307.When motor 13 is halted, motor 13 has been driven by a specific amountin step S306 so that film 52 reaches winding-side spool 16. Next, instep S308, a drive signal is output to motor drive circuit 18, and motor19 is driven in the direction of winding. At this time, the connectionbetween motor 13 and spool 51 b is broken by transfer mechanism 14.

Next, in step S309, magnetic head 25 a reads the data in magneticrecording part 54, and the determination is made as to whether thatframe has been photographed onto. When the determination in step S309 isNO, the microcomputer returns to step S308 and continues driving motor19. Through this, useless frames are fast-forwarded, thereby allowingthe time needed for generating the thumbnail display to be reduced.

When the determination in step S309 is YES, the microcomputer moves tostep S310. In step S310, magnetic head 25 a reads the recordedinformation in magnetic recording part 54, and the recorded informationis output to computer 40. Computer 40 sends the recorded informationthat has been received to recording device 44 and records thisinformation on a recording medium. The recorded information read at thistime includes the frame number, the date and time of photography, imagedirection information, photograph size information and color temperatureinformation. The image direction information indicates whether the imageis a vertical position photograph or a horizontal position photograph.The photograph size information indicates what size the photographedimage is, such as normal size, panorama size, hi-vision size or halfsize, and also indicates those portions of the photograph image that canbe trimmed.

Next, when perforation detector 17 a detects perforation 53 in stepS311, a halt signal is output to motor drive circuit 18 in step S312.Accordingly, driving of motor 19 is halted, and feeding of the film isalso halted. At this time, the tip of the film image is positioned onoptical axis 15.

Next, in step S413 (FIG. 4), a drive signal is output to motor drivecircuit 18, and film 52 is fed at a constant speed. The feeding speed atthis time is set as a faster value than during scanning. Linear imagesensor 21 is driven in step S414 and quickly prescans the image, whichundergoes image processing in image signal processing circuit 22. Theprocessed image signal is stored in frame memory 3. Because the image isonly prescanned at a fast speed, the image can be accepted in a muchshorter time than during scanning because less memory storage isrequired for prescanning.

Then, the operations in steps S413 and S414 are repeated until it isverified in step S415 that the acceptance of the image in one frame hasbeen completed.

When the determination in step S415 is YES, the microcomputer moves tostep S416 and outputs the image signal from frame memory 3 to computer40. In addition, besides the image signal, the maximum signal level foreach color RGB within the photo frame, the minimum signal level, and ahistogram of the signal levels is output in step S416.

Computer 40 responds to the input of the image signal by displaying athumbnail display of the image on monitor 41. Computer 40 displaysthumbnail images in a row on monitor 41 each time an image signal isinput from scanner 100. When each display is made, recorded informationsuch as the frame number and the like is displayed below the thumbnaildisplays, the information having been read from the magnetic recordinglayer.

The display on monitor 26 may be either a large display on the screen ofeach frame instead of a thumbnail display, or a display in which thedisplay is initially large and then reduced in size to be a thumbnaildisplay, or a thumbnail display of all images at once after all frameshave been accepted. Or, the display can switch vertical and horizontalin the case of vertical position photography as determined byinformation read from the magnetic recording layer. In addition, thedisplay can trim the film images to only the necessary portions on thebasis of the photography size information.

In addition, computer 40 outputs to recording device 44 the recordedinformation that has been sent and records this information on therecording medium. The image signal is the roughly read data, and it ispossible to record this at high speed because the amount of data issmall.

Next, in step S417, the magnetic recording and retrieval circuit isdriven, and magnetic head 25 b records on magnetic recording part 54 thefact that the thumbnail display has been completed.

Next, in step S418, the determination is made as to whether the framefor which acceptance has been completed is the final frame of film 52.When the determination in step S418 is YES, the microcomputer moves tostep S419. When the determination in S418 is NO, the microcomputerreturns to step S413 and repeats the above-described processes.

Because motor driving in step S308 is set at a faster speed than motordriving in step S413, shortening of the time interval needed for readingthumbnail displays is achieved.

In step S419, the connection between motor 19 and winding side spool 16is broken by transfer mechanism 20. Next, the connection between motor13 and spool 51 b is made by transfer mechanism 14. Furthermore, a haltsignal is output to motor drive circuit 18, so that motor 19 is halted.Then, a drive signal is output to motor drive circuit 12, and motor 13is driven in the direction of rewinding film 52. Driving of motor 13 iscontinued until perforation 53 b of the first frame is detected in stepS420.

When perforation 53 b of the first frame is detected in step S420, themicrocomputer moves to step S421. In step S421, a signal is output tomotor drive circuit 12, causing motor 13 to decelerate. Next, in stepS422, magnetic head 25 a is controlled so that the above-described IDnumber is recorded on magnetic recording part 54 a of frame “0.”

By recording the ID number, the user can determine that thumbnailacceptance has been accomplished, by reading the ID number.

Consequently, even if cartridge 51 is once removed, if the ID number canbe read, it is possible to conduct scanning under suitable conditions onthe basis of data recorded at the time of thumbnail acceptance. Inaddition, by appending an ID number, management of the film by the userbecomes easier. For example, it becomes possible to manage the IDnumbers using database software or the like. In addition, if a photoretouch software has a function that enables operation by interlockingwith the ID number, it is possible to create an image with the sameadjustments at any time without complicated and troublesome operations.

In steps S310 and S416, the output destination of information wascomputer 40, but this may also be connected to a transmission device.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the display of recordedinformation was made below the thumbnail display, but this may also beeffected above the thumbnail display or to the side thereof. It wouldalso be fine to provide a separate display unit on monitor 41 and tocollect and display the thumbnail displays thereon.

Next, a mode that produces a thumbnail display of the frame whose framenumber is indicated by the user is described with reference to theflowcharts in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The user can select the frame designation thumbnail display from a menudisplay on monitor 41 using operation unit 42. Then, the user inputs theID number of film cartridge 51. Next, the user indicates the framenumbers of the images that are to be displayed in a thumbnail display,the indication being made using operation unit 42. Following this,computer 40 indicates to microcomputer 2 to perform a frame designationthumbnail display. At this point, the flowchart in FIG. 5 starts.

Steps S501 to S507 are the same as steps S301 through S307 in FIG. 3, soexplanation of such is omitted here.

In step S508, the determination is made as to what the smallest framenumber is out of the those indicated by the user. Next, in step S509, adrive signal is output to motor drive circuit 18, and motor 19 is causedto be driven in the direction of winding. At this point, the connectionbetween motor 13 and spool 51 b is broken by transfer mechanism 14.

In step S510, magnetic head 25 a reads magnetic recording part 54 andthe determination is made as to whether the frame is a designated frame.When the determination is NO, the microcomputer returns to step S509 anddriving of motor 19 is continued. When the determination is YES, themicrocomputer moves to step S511.

In step S511, magnetic head 25 a reads the recorded information onmagnetic recording part 54, and outputs this recorded information tocomputer 40.

Computer 40 sends the recorded information to recording device 44, andthe information is thus recorded on a recording medium. The recordedinformation read at this time includes the frame number, image directioninformation, photograph size information and color temperatureinformation.

Next, when perforation detectors 17 a and 17 b detect a perforation 53in step S512, a halt signal is output to motor drive circuit 18 in stepS513. When this occurs, driving of motor 19 is halted, thereby haltingfeeding of the film. At this time, the tip of the film image iscontrolled so as to be on optical axis 15.

The processes in steps S513 through S617 (FIG. 6) are the same as theprocesses in steps S312 through S417 of FIGS. 3 and 4, so explanation ofsuch is omitted here.

Next, in step S619, the determination is made as to whether the imageaccepted immediately before is the last designated frame. When thedetermination is NO, the microcomputer returns to step S508 and repeatsthe above-described processes. When the determination is YES, themicrocomputer moves to step S620.

The steps from step S620 to the end are the same as the steps from stepS419 on in FIG. 4, so explanation of such is omitted here.

In steps S511 and S617, the output destination of information wascomputer 40, but this may also be connected to a transmission device.

In addition, in the above embodiment, operation unit 42 was taken to beattached to computer 40, but a configuration may also be used whereinoperation unit 42 is attached directly to microcomputer 2.

A controller causes a thumbnail display of a plurality of images on thedisplay by outputting image signals to the display. The controllercauses the display of display information relating to the retrievalsignal on the display by outputting retrieval signals to the display,and consequently, when images are read into a personal computer or thelike, it is possible for the user to see simultaneously the thumbnaildisplay and information about a plurality of images that are recorded onthe magnetic recording layer.

In addition, the data recorder records recognition information of thefilm on the magnetic recording unit, and consequently, the user caneasily manage the film.

Next, the present device will be described in conjunction with the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.

The operator mounts a film cartridge 51 in a cartridge mounting chamber1 a. Then the operator begins the start mode by reading a film imagefrom the keyboard 42 of the computer 40. Here, unless the film storageunit is closed and a limit switch provided in the film storage unit isturned on, the start mode will not begin. A start mode will be explainedin reference to the flow chart in FIG. 7.

At S701, mounting of a film cartridge with developed film in thecartridge mounting chamber 1 a is determined based on the results ofdetection by the detection unit 11 a. If no mounting is detected, theprogram advances to step S702 and warns the computer 40 that the filmcartridge 51 is not mounted or that the film 52 has not been developed.Here, a display device can be provided in the scanner 100 to display theabove-stated warning on the display device. By determining whether acartridge with developed film is mounted, erroneous removal of anundeveloped cartridge 51 can be prevented.

If mounting is detected at step S701, the program moves to step S703. Atstep S703, the detection unit 11 a detects the film type, the name ofthe manufacturer, and whether the film is black and white film or colorfilm, etc.

Next, at step S704, driving signals are outputted from the motor drivingcircuit, and the motor 13 begins rotation. The driving power from themotor 13 is transmitted to the spool 51 b through the transmissionmechanism 14. In this manner, the tip of the film 52 is advanced fromthe film exit aperture unit 51 a located in the main body of thecartridge.

Next, at step S705, the program waits for the perforation detection unit17 a to detect a perforation 53 a of frame number “0.” Upon detecting aperforation 53 a, the program drives the motor 13 for a predeterminedamount at step S706 and stops the motor 13 at step S707. When the motor13 stops, the film 52 reaches the winding-side spool 16.

Next, at step S708, the program outputs a driving signal to the motordriving circuit 12 and the motor driving circuit 18, causing the motor13 to begin the feeding drive and the motor 19 to begin the windingdrive.

Next, in step S709, magnetic head 25 a reads the data in magneticrecording part 54, and the determination is made as to whether thatframe has been photographed onto. When the determination in step S709 isNO, the microcomputer returns to step S708, and continues driving motors13 and 19. Through this, useless frames are fast-forwarded, therebyallowing the time needed for thumbnail display to be reduced.

When the determination in step S709 is YES, the microcomputer moves tostep S710. In step S710, magnetic head 25 a reads the recordedinformation on the magnetic recording part 54. The recorded informationis output to computer 40. Computer 40 sends the recorded informationthat has been received to recording device 44, and records thisinformation on a recording medium. The recorded information read at thistime includes the frame number, the date and time of photography, imagedirection information, photograph size information and color temperatureinformation. The image direction information is information indicatingwhether the image is a vertical position photograph or a horizontalposition photograph. The photograph size information is informationindicating what size the photographed image is, such as normal size,panorama size, hi-vision size or half size, and also indicates whichportions of the photograph image can be trimmed.

Next, when perforation detector 17 a detects a perforation 53 in stepS711, a halt signal is output to motor drive circuits 12 and 18 in stepS712. Accordingly, driving of motors 13 and 19 is halted, and feeding ofthe film is also halted. At this time, control is such that the tip ofthe film image is positioned on optical axis 15.

FIG. 8 is another embodiment describing a flow chart of prescanning(F=0) and scanning (F=1).

At step S801, the value of the flag is checked to see if it is 1. If theflag is 0, the program advances to step S802 and executes theprescanning operation. If the flag is 1, it advances to step S815 toexecute the scanning operation.

At step S802, the RGB charge accumulation time of a one-dimensional CCD21 is set to a standard time T0. This standard time T0 is determined bynumerous experimental values obtained by reading the film 52.

At step S803, the film 52 is moved the equivalent of one line. Then theaccumulated time T0 is read with the R signal (step S804), theaccumulated time T0 is read with the G signal (step S805), and theaccumulated time T0 is read with the B signal (step S806). These RGBsignals are stored in the frame memory 3 (step S807).

At step S808, movement of the film the equivalent of one frame (36 mmfor example) is determined. If the amount of advancement per one line is0.1 mm, a counter determines whether the film is advanced the equivalentof 360 lines. If the film is found not to be moved the equivalent of oneframe, the program returns to step S803, otherwise it advances to stepS809.

At step S809, the unexposed sections 56 (FIG. 2) of the film 52 betweenframes are moved with high speed. By not moving the sections betweenframes the equivalent of one line, the total prescanning time can beshortened when reading the images of a plurality of frames duringprescanning.

At step S810, reading of the film the equivalent of the entire set offrames is determined. The total number of frames is established by thetotal number of frames of the film obtained by the detection circuit 11.If film equivalent to the entire set of frames is not read, the programreturns to step S803, otherwise it advances to step S811.

At step S811, the film 52 is rewound at a specified speed. Duringrewinding, the magnetic recording data of the magnetic recording section54 is read by the magnetic head 25 (step S812). The data is outputted tothe computer 40. The computer 40 sends the stored data to a recordingdevice 44 where the data are stored on a memory medium. The magneticmemory data read here includes frame number, shooting date, cameraposture data, shooting size data, and color temperature data. Cameraposture data indicates whether vertical position shooting or horizontalposition shooting is used to obtain the image. Shooting size dataindicates whether the shooting image is normal size, panorama size, highvision size, half size, or others, as well as whether and which sectionof the shooting image is to be trimmed.

At step S813, rewinding of the film 52 through frame “0” is determined.If the film is not rewound through frame “0,” the program returns tostep S811, otherwise it advances to step S814.

At step S814, the flag is changed to F=1 to execute scanning and theprogram awaits execution until the scanning command is received from thecomputer 40. Moreover, the image signals stored in the frame memory 3are transferred to the computer 40. Here, if the capacity of the framememory 3 is small or if the frame memory 3 is line memory, the imagesignals stored in the frame memory 3 can be transferred to the computer40 after step S808.

Here, reading of the RGB image signals is executed for each line duringfeeding of the film and reading of the magnetic data is executed duringrewinding of the film, but it is equally effective to read the magneticdata during feeding of the film and to read the RGB image signals foreach line during rewinding of the film.

If the flag is F=1, the program advances to step S815 to executescanning.

At step S815, the accumulation time of the CCD is established to obtainthe optimum image. For example, the RGB accumulation times T1, T2, andT3 of the CCD 21 can be determined for each frame by obtaining the whitelevel and the black level for each frame from the image signals obtainedby prescanning.

At step S816, the images of the entire set of frames obtained byprescanning are thumbnail displayed on the monitor 41.

At step S817, the operator specifies on the monitor 41 the frame to bescanned using an operation unit 42 such as a mouse. The microcomputer 2receives the frame specified by the computer 40 to be read (frame number6, for example). Then the motor driving circuits 13 and 18 move the film52 to the head of the specified frame (step S818). At step S819, thefilm 52 is moved the equivalent of one line. Then the R signal is readwith the accumulation time T1 (step S820), the G signal is read with theaccumulation time T2 (step S821), and the B signal is read with theaccumulation time T3 (step S822. These RGB signals are stored in theframe memory 3 (step S823).

At step S824, movement of the film the equivalent of one frame isdetermined. The criteria for determination are the same as in theexplanation of step S808. If the film is found not to be moved theequivalent of one frame, the program returns to step S819, and theprogram (after optionally displaying the scanned image on the monitor)finishes if the film is found to be moved the equivalent of one frame.

Next, operation of the image signal processing circuit 22 and display ofthe image data on the monitor 41 will be explained in reference to FIG.9.

The black level output from the one-dimensional CCD 21 is set at apredetermined standard voltage value by a setting circuit 921, and thewhite level output from the one-dimensional CCD 21 is maintained for apredetermined time by a sample hold circuit 922. A shading correctioncircuit 923 executes shading correction to make the output from theone-dimensional CCD uniform throughout all the pixels. Moreover, aΓ-correction circuit 924 executes Γ-correction in order to add gradationcharacteristics to the shading-corrected output. The Γ-corrected outputis converted to digital signals by an A/D conversion circuit 925. Forexample, if digital signals are displayed by 8 bits, the analog outputfor each pixel is converted to 0-225 levels of digital signals that arestored in the frame memory 3 via the microcomputer 2.

The RGB image signals stored in the frame memory 3 are transmitted tothe RAM 43 in the computer 40 via an SCSI interface. Moreover, data fromthe detection circuit 11 and the magnetic recording retrieval device 25is transmitted to the memory circuit 46 in the computer 40 via the SCSIinterface.

If the data from the memory circuit 46 indicates that negative film ismounted, then the processing circuit 47 reverses and outputs on themonitor 41 the image signals stored in the RAM 43. Furthermore, if thedata from the memory circuit 46 indicates that shooting is done with thecamera in the vertical position, then the processing circuit 47 rotatesthe image signals 900 and outputs them on the monitor 41. Moreover, ifthe data from the memory circuit 46 is trimming data (panorama size),the processing circuit 47 outputs the image signals according to thetrimming data on the monitor 41. Here, the processing circuit 47 iscomposed of a LUT (look up table), etc.

Next, the process involved in displaying image signals and shootingcondition signals on the monitor 41 will be explained.

FIG. 9 describes an example in which frame 1-frame 12 are thumbnaildisplayed. “No. 1,” “F8,” “Tv250,” “+½,” and “Strobe” are displayed atthe bottom of the image of frame 1 obtained by prescanning. “No. 1”indicates frame 1. “F8” indicates the lens stop during shooting was F8.“Tv250” indicates the shutter speed during shooting was {fraction(1/250)} second. “+½” indicates the exposure correction value duringshooting was +½. “Strobe” indicates that shooting was done with strobeshooting. Here, these indications are merely examples, and otherindications such as the shooting date can be displayed, and the layoutis not limited to the example.

Moreover, if it is found from the data read from the magnetic recordinglayer that shooting is done in panorama size mode, the image signals areenlarged and displayed like the images in frame 5 and frame 9.Furthermore, if it is found from the data read from the magneticrecording layer that shooting is done with the camera in the verticalposition, the image signals are rotated 90° and displayed like theimages in frame 6 and frame 11.

By displaying the data on the monitor 41 using the magnetic recordingdata in this manner, the operator can verify, at a glance, theconditions during shooting.

Next, the scanner 101 is explained in the case when a film cartridgehaving two winding axes is used.

The above-stated film cartridge 51 has only one winding axis, but thefilm cartridge 151 described in FIG. 10 has two winding axes 151 b oneach side of the cartridge 151. An aperture unit 153 is formed betweenthe two winding axes 151 b. The film 152 is the same as the film 52comprising the above-stated magnetic recording unit.

Two transmission mechanisms 140 (only one of which is represented) areprovided in the scanner 101. A cartridge cover 111 is capable ofrotating in the direction of arrow A and/or arrow B. The cartridge cover111 has an illumination unit 110 and an illumination driving circuit andthe like. A projection lens 109 and a one-dimensional CCD sensor 121 areprovided within the scanner 101.

The cartridge 151 is inserted in such a manner that each axis 151 b ofthe cartridge 151 meshes with its respective transmission mechanism 140.After insertion of the cartridge 151, the cartridge cover 111 is closedin the direction of arrow A. Next, the illumination unit 110 illuminatesthe aperture unit 153. Here, use of the one-dimensional CCD sensor 121eliminates the need for illuminating the aperture unit 153 entirely withuniform light. Light passing through the film 152 is gathered by theprojection lens 109. Then the image light composed by theone-dimensional CCD sensor 121 is converted into electrical signals.

The transmission mechanism 140 is controlled in such a manner that thefilm 152 moves one line at a time. As for the other operations, they arethe same as the operations in the embodiments described in FIG. 3-FIG.9. Additionally, the cartridge 151 can be used in conjunction with theflowcharts shown in FIGS. 11-20, 23 and 24.

In the present invention, a one-dimensional light source conversionmeans or converter can be used to read images of film in a cartridgeeven when finished developed film is stored in the cartridge. If amagnetic recording layer is provided on the film, the magnetic recordingdata can be read when the film is transported with a uniform velocity.

Moreover, transport of the original during reading of the image data andduring reading of the magnetic data can be executed without hindrance bycontrolling the motion of the transport mechanism using a transportcontrol means.

FIG. 11 is another embodiment describing the flow chart of prescanning(F=0) and scanning (F=1) and displaying at least one designated scannedimage. (In FIG. 11, steps S1101-1114 are similar to steps S801-814 ofFIG. 8).

At step S1101, the value of the flag is checked to see if it is 1. Ifthe flag is 0, the program advances to step S1102 and executes theprescanning operation. If the flag is 1, it advances to step S1115 toexecute the scanning operation.

At step S1102, the RGB charge accumulation time of the one-dimensionalCCD sensor 21 is set to a standard time T0. This standard time T0 isdetermined by numerous experimental values obtained by reading the film52.

At step S1103, the film 52 is moved the equivalent of one line. Then,the accumulated time T0 is read with the R signal (step S1104), theaccumulated time T0 is read with the G signal (step S1105), and theaccumulated time T0 is read with the B signal (step S1106). These RGBsignals are stored in the frame memory 3 (step S1107).

At step S1108, movement of the film the equivalent of one frame (36 mm,for example) is determined. If the amount of advancement per one line is0.1 mm, a counter determines whether the film has advanced theequivalent of 360 lines. If the film is found not to be moved theequivalent of one frame, the program returns to step S1103, otherwise itadvances to step S1109.

At step S1109, unexposed sections 56 of the film 52 between frames aremoved with high speed. By not moving the sections between frames theequivalent of one line, the prescanning time can be shortened whenreading the images of a plurality of frames during prescanning.

At step S1110, reading of the film the equivalent of the entire set offrames is determined. The total number of frames is established by thetotal number of frames of the film obtained by the detection circuit 11.If the film equivalent to all the frames is not read, the programreturns to step S1103, otherwise it advances to step S1111.

During the rewinding, the magnetic recording data of the magneticrecording unit 54 is read from the magnetic head 25 (step S1112). Thedata is output to the computer 40. The computer 40 sends these storeddata to a recording device 44 where the data is stored on a memorymedium. The magnetic memory data read here includes the frame number,the shooting date, data concerning camera posture, shooting size data,and color temperature data. Camera posture data indicate whethervertical position shooting or horizontal position shooting is used toobtain the image. Shooting size, data indicate whether the shootingimage is normal size, panorama size, high vision size, half size, orothers, as well as whether and which section of the shooting image is tobe trimmed.

At step S1113, rewinding of the film 52 through frame “0” is determined.If the film is not rewound through frame “0,” the program returns tostep S1111, otherwise it advances to step S1114.

At step S1114, the flag is changed to F=1 to execute scanning. Inaddition, the image signals stored in the frame memory 3 and themagnetic recording data are transferred to the computer 40. In thisinstance, if the capacity of the frame memory 3 is small, or if theframe memory 3 is line memory, the image signal stored in the framememory 3 can be transferred to the computer 40 after step S1108.

If the flag is F=1, scanning takes place at step S1115.

At step S1115, the accumulated times Ta, Tb, and Tc of the CCD sensor 21are determined for R, G, and B, respectively, by obtaining the whitelevel and the black level, etc., for each frame based on the imagesignal obtained by prescanning. For example, the fourth frame has 3milliseconds for R, 4 milliseconds for G, and 6 milliseconds for B,while the ninth frame has 2 milliseconds for R, 2 milliseconds for G,and 5 milliseconds for B.

At step S1116, all the frames are thumbnail displayed on the monitor 41connected to the computer 40.

At step S1117, the operator selects from among the plurality of frameson the monitor 41 the frame to be scanned. The frame on the field can bespecified by a mouse 42, or a frame number can be entered from thekeyboard, or it is possible to command scanning of all the frames. Withthe above specification, scanning begins. In the present embodiment,cases in which the sixth frame and the twelfth frame are specified bythe operator will be explained. The microcomputer 2 receives the framenumbers of the sixth frame and the twelfth frame. Based on thesenumbers, the motor driving circuits 13 and 18 move the film 52 to thehead of the sixth frame, which is the smaller number (step S1118).

At step S1119, the film 52 is moved the equivalent of one line by themotor driving circuits 13 and 18. Then the R signal is read with theaccumulation time Ta6 (step S1120), the G signal is read with theaccumulation time Tb6 (step S1121), and the B signal is read with theaccumulation time Tc6 (step S1122). These RGB signals are stored in theframe memory 3 (step S1123).

At step S1124, movement of the film the equivalent of one frame isdetermined. The determination process is the same as in the explanationof prescanning at step S1108. If the film is found not to be moved theequivalent of one frame, the program returns to step S1119, otherwise itadvances to step S1125. At step S1125, the image data read duringscanning with a high level of precision is displayed on the monitor 41.

At step S1126, the completion of scanning of all the specified frames isdetermined. In the present example, the twelfth frame has not yet beenscanned, and therefore the program moves to step S1118. The film ismoved to the head of the twelfth frame. The R, G, and B signals are readfor each line with the accumulated times Ta12, Tb12, and Tc12 (stepS1119-step S1124), and each signal is displayed on the monitor 41 afterreading one frame (step S1125). Incidentally, it is equally effective todisplay only the first specified frame on the monitor 41 withoutdisplaying on the monitor 41 the image of the specified frame after eachscanning and to have the data stored in the memory device 44 withoutdisplaying on the monitor 41 until the operator commands display of thenext specified frame after completion of scanning. With the completionof scanning of the twelfth frame, scanning of all the specified framesis completed, hence the program moves to NO indicating completion ofscanning.

In FIG. 11, reading of the RGB image signals is executed for each lineduring the feeding of the film, and reading of the magnetic data isexecuted during the rewinding of the film, but it is equally effectiveto read the magnetic data during the feeding of the film and to read theRGB image signals for each line during the rewinding of the film. Thiswill be explained as another prescanning/scanning embodiment withreference to FIG. 12.

At step S1201, the value of the flag is checked to see if it is 1. Ifthe flag is 0, the program advances to step S1202 and executes theprescanning operation. If the flag is 1, it advances to step S1214 toexecute the scanning operation.

At step S1202, the film 52 is rewound on take-up spool at a specifiedspeed. During the rewinding, the magnetic recording data of the magneticrecording unit 54 is read from the magnetic head 25 (step S1203). Thedata is output to the computer 40. The computer 40 sends the stored datato the recording device 44 where the data is stored on a memory medium.At step S1204, reading of the amount equivalent to the entire set offrames by the film 52 is determined. If the amount equivalent to theentire set of frames is not read by the film 52, the program returns tostep S1202, otherwise it advances to step S1205.

At step S1205, the RGB charge accumulation time of a one-dimensional CCDsensor 21 is set to be a standard time T0. This standard time T0 isdetermined by numerous experimental values obtained by reading the film52.

At step S1206, the film 52 is moved in the direction of rewinding theequivalent of one line. Then the accumulated time T0 is read with the Rsignal, the G signal, and the B signal (step S1207). These RGB signalsare stored in the frame memory 3 (step S1208).

At step S1209, movement of the film the equivalent of one frame (36 mm,for example) is determined. If the amount of advancement per one line is0.1 mm, a counter determines whether the film is advanced the equivalentof 360 lines. If the film is found not to be moved the equivalent of oneframe, the program returns to step S1206, otherwise it advances to stepS1210.

At step S1210, the image signals of the RGB signals stored in the framememory 3 are transferred to the computer 40. Since the magneticrecording data is already transferred to the computer 40 at step S1203,a thumbnail display is executed on the monitor 41 in accordance with themagnetic data. For example, if the twelfth frame is determined to beshot with a panorama mode based on the magnetic data of the twelfthframe, the image data of the twelfth frame is thumbnail displayed on themonitor 41 as panorama size, and if the tenth frame is determined to beshot with a vertical position of the camera based on the magneticinformation of the tenth frame, the image data of the tenth frame isthumbnail displayed on the monitor 41 in a vertical direction. In thecase of a thumbnail display of the image data based on the magnetic dataas described above, there is the merit of not needing extensive imagedata in the frame memory, etc.

At step S1211, unexposed sections 56 of the film 52 between frames aremoved with high speed. By not moving sections between frames theequivalent of one line, the prescanning time can be shortened whenreading the images of a plurality of frames during prescanning.

At step S1212, reading of the film through frame “0” is determined. Ifthe film is not read through frame “0,” the program returns to stepS1206, otherwise it advances to step S1213.

At step S1213, the flag is set to F=1 to perform subsequent scanning. Ifthe flag is F=1, scanning takes place at step S1214.

At step S1214, the accumulated times Ta, Tb, and Tc of the CCD sensor 21are determined for R, G, and B, respectively, by obtaining the whitelevel and the black level, etc., for each frame based on the imagesignal obtained by prescanning. For example, the fourth frame has 3milliseconds for R, 4 milliseconds for G, and 6 milliseconds for B,while the ninth frame has 2 milliseconds for R, 2 milliseconds for G,and 5 milliseconds for B.

At step S1215, the operator selects from among the plurality of frameson the monitor 41 the frame to be scanned. The frame on the field can bespecified by the mouse 42, or the frame number can be entered from thekeyboard, or it is possible to command scanning of all the frames. Withthe above specification, scanning begins. In the present embodiment,cases in which the fourth frame and the ninth frame are specified by theoperator will be explained. The microcomputer 2 receives the framenumbers of the fourth frame and the ninth frame. Based on these numbers,the motor driving circuits 13 and 18 move the film 52 to the head of thefourth frame, which is the smaller number (step S1216).

At step S1217, the film 52 is moved the equivalent of one line by themotor driving circuits 13 and 18. Then the R signal is read with theaccumulation time Ta4 (step S1218), the G signal is read with theaccumulation time Tb4 (step S1219), and the B signal step (S1220) isread with the accumulation time Tc4. These RGB signals are stored in theframe memory 3 (step S1221).

At step S1222, movement of the film the equivalent of one frame isdetermined. The criteria for determination are the same as in theexplanation of step S1209. If the film is found not to be moved theequivalent of one frame, the program returns to step S1217, and theprogram moves to step S1223 if the film is found to be moved theequivalent of one frame.

At step S1223, each specified image is displayed on the monitor 41 aftereach scanning and the data is stored in the memory device 44 withoutdisplaying on the monitor 41 until the operator commands display of thenext specified frame after completion of scanning. At step S1224, adetermination is made as to whether there is a next specified frame tobe displayed. If yes, the program returns to step S1216. If no, theprogram ends. With the completion of scanning of the ninth frame in theabove example, scanning of all the specified frames is completed, hencethe program moves to NO indicating completion of the scanning.

The operation of the image signal processing circuit 22 and display ofthe image data on the monitor 41 are the same as discussed above withreference to FIG. 9.

FIGS. 13A and 13B describe other examples of thumbnail display obtainedby prescanning.

FIG. 13A describes another example in which frame 1-frame 12 arethumbnail displayed. “No. 1,” “F8,” “Nov. 22, 1994,” and “15:12” aredisplayed at the bottom of the image of frame 1 obtained by prescanning.“No. 1” indicates frame 1. “Nov. 22, 1994” indicates the date ofshooting. “15:12” indicates the time of shooting. In this instance,frame 6 and frame 11 are shot with the camera in the vertical position,hence the vertical position is indicated in one place. Frame 5 and frame9 are shot in panorama size mode, hence panorama size mode is indicatedin one place.

FIG. 13B describes another example in which frame 1-frame 24 arethumbnail displayed. Since the operator desires to verify all the imagedata of the film 52 in the cartridge 51 by prescanning, it is preferableto be able to change the size of each frame according to the film framenumber. The film frame number in the present embodiment is easilyestablished since the film frame number can be specified according tothe magnetic recording data.

“No. 1,” “Tokyo,” and “Dec. 06, 1994” are displayed at the bottom of theimage of frame 1 obtained by prescanning. “No. 1” indicates frame 1.“Tokyo” indicates the location of shooting. The location data is enteredwith the camera by the operator during shooting. “Dec. 24, 1994”indicates the date of shooting. By displaying the magnetic recordingdata, the operator can easily specify the frame to be scanned. Moreover,it is equally permissible to thumbnail display the data on the monitor41 by classifying them according to the date of shooting or location ofshooting.

With the image reading system, the image data of a plurality of framesobtained during prescanning are made to be displayed on a monitor; hencethe operator can easily specify the frames to be scanned. If theshooting size data, such as camera posture data and panorama size data,is obtained from the magnetic recording data, the image data isdisplayed on the monitor based on the data; hence the operator caneasily select the frames to be scanned. The images of all the framesobtained during prescanning can be displayed on the monitor; hence theoperator is not required to memorize specifically the frames to bescanned. The image data for each frame obtained during prescanning maybe displayed on the monitor in order; hence the operator can easilyspecify the frame to be scanned.

Next, the actions of the device of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention will be described. The mode which prescans film 52 and makesthumbnail displays will be described with reference to the flowcharts inFIGS. 14 and 15.

The user selects the all-frame thumbnail display from a menu displayedon monitor 41, the selection made using operation unit 42. Furthermore,the ID number of the film cartridge is input. The ID number is input inwhatever combination of English characters, Chinese characters andnumbers or the like which the user finds desirable. When this occurs,computer 40 commands of microcomputer 2 an all-frame thumbnail display.At this time, the flowchart in FIG. 14 is started.

In step S1401, the determination is made, on the basis of detectionperformed by developed film detector 11 a, as to whether or notdeveloped film cartridge 51 has been loaded in cartridge loading chamber1 a. When this determination is NO, the microcomputer 2 moves to stepS1402, and warns computer 40 if film cartridge 51 has not been loaded orif film 52 is undeveloped. Computer 40 performs a warning display onmonitor 41 in accordance with the warning received. It would also beacceptable to provide a display device on scanner 100 and to perform thewarning on this display device. By determining whether a developed filmcartridge is loaded, it is possible to prevent undeveloped film frombeing extracted from cartridge 51 erroneously.

When the determination in step S1401 is YES, the microcomputer moves tostep S1403. In step S1403, the film type of film 52 is detected bydeveloped film detector 11 a.

Next, in step S1404, a drive signal is output to motor drive circuit 12,and motor 13 is driven. The drive power of motor 13 is transferred tospool 51 b via transfer mechanism 14. Furthermore, the tip of film 52 isfed out from film exit opening 51 a in the body of the cartridge. Next,in step S1405, the microcomputer waits for perforation detector 17 todetect perforation 53 a of the “0” frame. When perforation 53 a isdetected in step S1405, motor 13 is driven by a specific amount in stepS1406, and motor 13 is then halted in step S1407. When motor 13 ishalted, motor 13 has been driven by a specific amount in step S1406 sothat film 52 reaches winding-side spool 16. Next, in step S1408, a drivesignal is output to motor drive circuit 18 and motor 19 is driven in thedirection of winding. At this time, the connection between motor 13 andspool 51 b is broken by transfer mechanism 14.

Next, in step S1409, magnetic head 25 a reads the data in magneticrecording part 54, and the determination is made as to whether thatframe has been photographed onto. When the determination in step S1409is NO, the microcomputer returns to step S1408, and continues drivingmotor 19. Through this, useless frames are fast-forwarded, therebyallowing the time needed for thumbnail display to be reduced.

When the determination in step S1409 is YES, the microcomputer moves tostep S1410. In step S1410, magnetic head 25 a reads the recordedinformation in magnetic recording part 54. The recorded information isoutput to computer 40. Computer 40 sends the recorded information thathas been-received to recording device 44, and records this informationon a recording medium. The recorded information read at this timeincludes the frame number, the date and time of photography, imagedirection information, photograph size information and color temperatureinformation. The image direction information is information indicatingwhether the image is a vertical position photograph or a horizontalposition photograph. The photograph size information is informationindicating what size the photographed image is, such as normal size,panorama size, hi-vision size or half size, and also indicates whichportions of the photograph image can be trimmed.

Next, when perforation detector 17 a detects perforation 53 in stepS1411, a halt signal is output to motor drive circuit 18 in step S1412.Accordingly, driving of motor 19 is halted, and feeding of the film isalso halted. At this time, control is such that the tip of the filmimage is positioned on optical axis 15.

Next, in step S1513 (FIG. 15), a drive signal is output to motor drivecircuit 18, and film 52 is fed at a constant speed. The feeding speed atthis time is set as a faster value than during scanning. Furthermore,linear image sensor 21 is driven in step S1514 and roughly accepts theimage, which undergoes image processing in image signal processingcircuit 22. The processed image signal is stored in frame memory 3.Because the image is quickly prescanned the image can be accepted in amuch shorter time than during scanning, and requires less memorycapacity.

Then, the actions in steps S1513 and S1514 are repeated until it isverified in step S1515 that the acceptance of the image in one frame hasbeen completed.

When the determination in step S1515 is YES, the microcomputer moves tostep S1516. In step S1516, the image signal from frame memory 3 isoutput to computer 40. In addition, besides the image signal, themaximum signal level for each color RGB within the photo frame, theminimum signal level, and a histogram of the signal levels is output instep S1516.

Computer 40 responds to the input of the image signal by displaying athumbnail display of the image on monitor 41. Computer 40 displaysthumbnail images in a row on monitor 41 each time an image signal isinput from scanner 100. When each display is made, recorded informationsuch as the frame number and the like is displayed below the thumbnaildisplays, the information having been read from magnetic recording part54.

The display on monitor 41 may be either a large display on the screen ofeach frame instead of a thumbnail display, or a display in which thedisplay is initially large and then reduced in size to be a thumbnaildisplay, or a thumbnail display of all images at once after all frameshave been accepted. Alternatively, the display can switch vertical andhorizontal in the case of vertical position photography as determined byinformation read from magnetic recording part 54. In addition, thedisplay can trim the film images to only the necessary portions on thebasis of the photography size information.

In addition, computer 40 outputs to recording device 44 the recordedinformation that has been sent, and records this information on therecording medium. The image signal is prescanned data, and it ispossible to record this at high speed because the amount of data issmall.

Next, in step S1517, the microcomputer waits until inputting of thesetting values from computer 40 has been completed. At this time, it ispossible for the user to input from operation unit 42 the trimmingrange, image orientation information, resolution, color correction,contrast adjustment, file name and file format.

The trimming range is determined by the user indicating the range to betrimmed from the thumbnail display using the mouse of operation unit 42.

The image orientation information is information indicating the formatand display for the thumbnail display. For example, consider the casewherein a thumbnail display is displayed upside down. In this case, theuser can indicate that the bottom portion of the thumbnail display is toappear at the top of the screen. When this occurs, it is possible toperform a display in the orientation indicated by the user duringscanning.

The resolution is designated by inputting a numerical value, such as1200 dpi, for example. The file name is designated by the user using thekeyboard. The file format is designated by the user selecting a fileformat displayed on the screen. For formatting, it is possible to selectJPEG format or BMP format or the like, for example.

When a signal indicating that inputting of the above-described settingvalues from computer 40 to microcomputer 2 has been completed, themicrocomputer moves to step S1518.

In step S1518, the exposure time of linear sensor 21 during scanning isestablished from the histogram of the signal levels and the resolutionset by the user. The exposure time of the present device is determinedby the setting of the film feeding speed. That is to say, a fast filmfeeding speed is set when the exposure time is to be shortened.Conversely, a slow film feeding speed is set when the exposure time isto be lengthened. In addition, in step S1518 a short exposure time isset if the signal level is high, while a long exposure time is set ifthe signal level is low. A slow film feeding speed is set if theresolution is high, while a fast film feeding speed is set if theresolution is low.

In step S1519, the sum (hereinafter called “SUM”) of the differences ofthe output levels of adjacent pairs of pixels with respect to abelow-described single line 55 a (FIG. 21) is computed. The filmfocussing state is determined from the value of SUM. FIG. 21 is adrawing showing the image on film 52. A single line 55 a in the primaryscanning direction is a line substantially in the center of image 55 inthe auxiliary scanning direction. In this line, the image is accepted atfull pitch by prescanning.

Suppose that there are n pixels lined up in the primary scanningdirection in linear image sensor 21. Let these pixels be designated 1,2, 3, . . . , n. Furthermore, let a(1), a(2), a(3), . . . , a(n) be theoutput level of each pixel. Accordingly, SUM can be expressed asfollows:${SUM} = {\sum\limits_{i = 2}^{n}{{{a(i)} - {a\left( {i - 1} \right)}}}}$

With the present embodiment of the invention, when the value of SUM islarge, it is determined that the film is substantially in the focusposition and that an in-focus image is obtained. Conversely, when thevalue of SUM is small, it is determined that the film is shifted fromthe focus position due to warping or the like, and that an unfocussedimage is obtained.

Following the processes in step S1519, the microprocessor advances tostep S1520 and sets the filter process and brightness adjustment. Withregard to the filter process, an edge emphasis process and a smoothingprocess are set. The edge emphasis filter is set so as to emphasize theedges if the value of SUM is small in step S1519. Conversely, the edgeemphasis filter is set so as to be relatively weak if the value of SUMis large in step S1519. The smoothing filter is present because there isa possibility that an image could result in which the grain of the filmis apparent, even if the value of SUM is extremely large in step S1519.Hence, in this case, the smoothing filter is set so as to make the imagemore smooth. Conversely, if the value of SUM is small in step S1519, thesmoothing filter is not activated to make the image more smooth.

The smoothing process is conducted as described hereinafter. The averagevalue is calculated for the levels of the pixel in which the smoothingprocess is set and the surrounding pixels. This average value is set asthe level of that pixel. This process is conducted on all such pixels.

If it is desired to make the image more smooth, it is preferable whencomputing the average value of the levels to compute the average valueof a larger number of pixels (e.g., the surrounding 24 pixels.)Conversely, if it is not desired to make the image more smooth, it ispreferable to find the average value of a smaller number of pixels(e.g., the surrounding 4 pixels.)

The brightness adjustment is set on the basis of the histogram of theimage signal levels. When it is determined that the signal levels arehigh as a whole, the setting is toward the dark side. Conversely, whenit is determined that the signal levels are low as a whole, the settingis toward the bright side.

Next, in step S1521, a lookup table (hereinafter called “LUT”) isselected for the image process from the histogram of the signal levels,information indicating the type of film, and color temperatureinformation. In addition, the LUT is set so that the highest level outof the maximum signal levels of the various colors RGB is the maximumvalue of the input range of A/D conversion. In addition, the LUT is setso that the lowest level out of the minimum signal levels of the variouscolors RGB is the minimum value of the input range of A/D conversion. Inaddition, when the contrast is set by the user, the LUT is set on thebasis of the user setting. In addition, when no setting of the trimmingrange is made by the user, the trimming range is set from the photographsize information.

Next, the microcomputer advances to step S1522, drives magneticrecording and retrieval circuit 25, and uses magnetic head 25 b to writeon magnetic recording part 54 the contents of the settings in stepsS1518, S1520 and S1521. In addition, magnetic head 25 b records onmagnetic recording part 54 that thumbnail display has been completed.

Next, in step S1523, the determination is made as to whether or not theframe for which acceptance has been completed is the final frame of film52. When the determination is YES in step S1523, the process isconcluded. When the determination is NO in step S1523, the microcomputerreturns to step S1508 and repeats the above-described processes.

Because motor driving in step S1508 is set at a faster speed than motordriving in step S1513, shortening of the time interval needed forreading thumbnail displays can be realized.

In the above-described embodiment, the display of recorded informationwas made below the thumbnail display, but this may also be effectedabove the thumbnail display or to the side thereof. In addition, itwould also be acceptable to provide a separate display unit on monitor41 and to collect and display the thumbnail displays on such.

Next, scanning of designated frames will be described with reference tothe flowcharts in FIGS. 16 and 17.

The user selects the scanning mode from a menu on monitor 41 usingoperation unit 42 when thumbnail displays are conducted on monitor 41.Furthermore, the user selects the frame designation mode from a submenu.When this occurs, computer 40 waits in the frame designation state. Theuser can then select several images for scanning by clicking the mouseon the thumbnail displays displayed on monitor 41.

In addition, when the user again clicks the mouse on the thumbnaildisplays of the images designated for scanning, image adjustment menu 60is displayed on monitor 41, as shown in FIG. 22. From image adjustmentmenu 60, it is possible to select above-described contrast correction,edge emphasis, smoothing, and brightness adjustment, in addition toturning a noise removal filter ON or OFF, and selecting binary coding ormulti-value coding of the image.

The noise removal filter conducts a process that causes noise in theimage to diminish.

The image adjustment menu 60 displays the prescanned image 61. When theuser selects adjustment of edge emphasis, the adjustment can be made bymoving the bar in edge emphasis selection part 63 with the mouse. Edgesare emphasized if the bar is moved to the right, while edge emphasisbecomes weaker if the bar is moved to the left. Accompanying movement ofthe bar in edge emphasis selection part 63, computer 40 causes the imagein prescanned image 61 to change. Hence, it is possible for the user toset with ease the desired edge emphasis.

The user can also set the brightness, smoothing and contrast by the samemethod. Setting of the brightness is conducted using brightnessselection part 62. Setting of smoothing is conducted using smoothingselection part 64. Setting of contrast is conducted using contrastsetting part 65.

The noise removal filter is a filter used to eliminate noise in theimage. When the user wants to apply the noise removal filter to animage, the user clicks the mouse of noise removal filter setting part66, and an “x” is displayed. In order to cancel the setting, the mouseis again clicked, and the “x” display is erased.

It is also possible for the user to select whether to accept the imagewith binary coding or to accept the image with multi-value coding. Whenthe user selects binary coding, the user clicks the mouse on binarycoding selection part 67 a so that an “x” is displayed. When the userselects multi-value coding, the user clicks the mouse on multi-valuecoding selection part 67 b so that an “x” is displayed. When one ofeither binary coding selection part 67 a or multi-value coding selectionpart 67 b is selected, selection of the other is automatically released.

When settings are made at image adjustment menu 60, the contents of thesettings are reflected in prescanned image 61. Hence, the user can setwith ease the desired image.

Furthermore, after the user has completed image adjustment settings andscanning image selection, the flowchart in FIG. 16 is started whenexecution of scanning is commanded.

In step S1601, the verification is made as to which of the frame numbersdesignated by the user is the largest.

Next, in step S1602, a drive signal is output to motor drive circuit 12and motor 13 is driven in the direction of rewinding. The drive power ofmotor 13 is transferred to spool 51 b by transfer mechanism 14.Furthermore, film 52 is rewound around cartridge 51. At this time, theconnection between motor 19 and winding-side spool 16 is broken bytransfer mechanism 20.

In step S1603, magnetic head 25 b reads magnetic recording part 54, andthe determination is made as to whether the frame is a designated frame.If the determination is NO, the microcomputer returns to step S1602 anddriving of motor 13 is continued. If the determination in step S1603 isYES, the microcomputer advances to step S1604.

In step S1604, magnetic head 25 b reads the recorded information onmagnetic recording part 54. The recorded information read at this timeincludes the frame number, image direction information, photograph sizeinformation, color temperature information and information on thecontents set in steps S1518, S1520 and S1521 (FIG. 15).

Next, in step S1605, the film drive speed for scanning is set on thebasis of the exposure time information read in step S1604.

Next, in step S1606, each image adjustment is set on the basis of theinformation read in step S1604. However, with regard to the items set bythe user at image adjustment menu 60, the settings made by the user aregiven priority.

Next, in step S1607, the LUT selected in step S1521 is set. However,when the user has made gradation corrections at image adjustment menu60, the LUT is altered according to the settings made by the user.

Next, when perforation detectors 17 c and 17 d detect perforation 53 instep S1608, a halt signal is output to motor drive circuit 12 in stepS1609. Accordingly, driving of motor 13 is halted, and rewinding of thefilm is thus halted. At this time, the tip of the film image iscontrolled so as to be on optical axis 15.

Next, a drive signal is output to motor drive circuit 12 in step S1610,and rewinding of film 52 is commenced at the speed set in step S1605.Furthermore, in step S1611 the linear image sensor is driven so that theimage is read, and the image processes set by the LUT and the imageprocesses set at image adjustment menu 60 are performed by image signalprocessing circuit 22. Furthermore, the processed image signal is storedin frame memory 3.

Then, the processes in steps S1610 and S1611 are repeated until it isdetermined in step S1612 that acceptance of the image of one frame hasbeen completed.

When the determination in step S1612 is YES, the microcomputer moves tostep S1613, and the image signal is output from frame memory 3 tocomputer 40. In addition, besides the image signal, the maximum signallevel of each color RGB within the photo frame, the minimum signallevel, and a histogram of the signal levels are also output in stepS1613.

Computer 40 displays images on monitor 41 in response to the inputtingof image signals. When this display is made, the recorded informationconcerning the frame number and the like which is read from magneticrecording part 54 is displayed below the image display. From theinformation read from magnetic recording part 54, the display is made soas to switch vertical and horizontal in the case of a vertical positionphotograph. However, when image orientation information has been inputin step S1517 (FIG. 15), the image orientation information is givenpriority over the image direction information.

From the photograph size information or the trimming range set by theuser in step S1517 (FIG. 15), the image is displayed with only thenecessary portions of the film image trimmed.

In addition, computer 40 outputs to recording device 44 the image signalsent, and records such on the recording medium.

Next, the microcomputer advances to step S1714 (FIG. 17), where magnetichead 25 a records on magnetic recording part 54 the fact that scanninghas been conducted and the fact that settings have been made by the userat image adjustment menu 60.

Next, in step S1715, the determination is made as to whether the imageaccepted immediately before is the last designated frame. When thedetermination is NO, the microcomputer returns to step S1601 (FIG. 16)and repeats the above-described processes. When the determination instep S1715 is YES, the microcomputer moves to step S1716.

In step S1716, a drive signal is output to motor drive circuit 12, andmotor 13 is driven in the direction of rewinding film 52 into filmcartridge 51. Furthermore, driving of motor 13 is continued untilperforation 53 b of the first frame is detected by perforation detector17 a in step S1717.

When perforation 53 b of the first frame is detected in step S1717, themicrocomputer moves to step S1718. In step S1718, a signal is output tomotor drive circuit 12, causing motor 13 to be decelerated. Next, instep S1719, magnetic head 25 a is controlled so as to record theabove-described ID number on the “0” frame of magnetic recording part54. Through recording the ID number, the user can determine thatthumbnail acceptance has been accomplished, by reading the ID number.

Next, in step S1720, the ID number is output to computer 40. Computer 40records the ID number received onto a recording medium using recordingdevice 44. Furthermore, when rewinding is determined to be completed instep S1721, the process concludes.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, operation unit 42 wastaken to be attached to computer 40, but a configuration may also beused wherein the operation unit 42 is attached directly to microcomputer2.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the image to be scanned wasselected using a mouse, but it would also be acceptable for thisselection to be accomplished by inputting the frame number using thekeyboard.

In FIGS. 14-17, prescanning is conducted by feeding film 52, whilescanning is conducted while rewinding the film following the completionof prescanning. However, it would also be acceptable to pre-wind film 52once, and to then conduct prescanning while rewinding film 52 and toconduct scanning while winding the film following the completion ofprescanning.

With FIGS. 14-17, prescanning and scanning are completed only by asingle winding and rewinding of the film in frame number order(ascending or descending order of frame numbers), and therefore readingof the images can be efficiently achieved in a short period of time.

With the device of FIGS. 14-17, film is fed while verifying the framenumber information from magnetic recording part 54. Consequently, it ispossible to feed the film with accuracy to the designated frame.

With FIGS. 14-17, it is possible for the user to select images forscanning while viewing the thumbnail displays. Consequently, when aplurality of images are present, it is possible for the selection to bemade without verifying each frame one at a time, and consequently,little time is required for selecting images for scanning.

In addition, information set at image adjustment menu 60 and imageadjustment information set by scanner 100 are recorded on magneticrecording part 54. Alternatively, it would also be acceptable to recordthe image adjustment information on memory device 44, and to record onmagnetic recording part 54 only the frame number corresponding to the IDnumber of the film and image adjustment information. Furthermore, itwould also be acceptable at the time of scanning to read from magneticrecording part 54 the ID number and frame number, and to conduct imageadjustment on the basis of the corresponding image adjustmentinformation on recording device 44. When this is done, it is possible torecord adequate amounts of information even when the capacity ofmagnetic recording part 54 of the film is small and the size of theimage adjustment information is large.

Next, scanning in a designated frame order is described with referenceto the flowcharts in FIGS. 18-20.

The user selects the scanning mode from a menu on monitor 41 usingoperation unit 42 when thumbnail displays are conducted on monitor 41.Furthermore, the user selects the frame order designation mode from asubmenu. When this occurs, computer 40 waits in the frame orderdesignation state. The user can then select several images for scanningby clicking the mouse on the thumbnail displays displayed on monitor 41.The frame numbers are then displayed on monitor 41 in the designatedorder.

In addition, it is possible for the user to set image adjustment atimage adjustment menu 60 in the designated frame order the same as withscanning in FIGS. 16 and 17.

Furthermore, after the user has completed the image adjustment settingsand scanning image selection, the flowchart in FIG. 18 is started whenexecution of scanning is commanded.

In step S1801, the determination is made as to what frame number is thenext frame number designated, out of those frame numbers designated bythe user. Next, in step S1802, the detection is made as to what framenumber is currently positioned with the image on optical axis 15.

Next, in step S1803, the determination is made as to whether the nextdesignated frame number determined in step S1801 is less than thecurrent frame number detected in step S1802. When the determination instep S1803 is YES, the microcomputer moves to step S1804.

The steps from S1804 to S1916 (FIG. 19) are the same as the steps fromS1602 to S1714 in FIGS. 16 and 17, so explanation of such is omittedhere.

When the determination in step S1803 is NO, the microcomputer moves tostep S2023 in FIG. 20.

In step S2023, a drive signal is output to motor drive circuit 18, andmotor 19 is driven in the direction of winding. At this time, theconnection between motor 13 and spool 51 b is broken by transfermechanism 14.

In step S2024, magnetic head 25 a reads magnetic recording part 54, andthe determination is made as to whether the frame is the designatedframe. When this determination is NO, the microcomputer returns to stepS2023 and continues driving of motor 19. When the determination in stepS2024 is YES, the microcomputer advances to step S2025.

The processes from step S2025 to S2028 are the same as the processesfrom step S1604 to S1607 in FIG. 16, so explanation of such is omittedhere.

Next, when perforation detectors 17 a and 17 b detect perforation 53 instep S2029, a halt signal is output to motor driving circuit 18 in stepS2030. Accordingly, driving of motor 19 is halted, and feeding of thefilm is also halted. At this time, the tip of the film image ispositioned on optical axis 15.

Next, in step S2031, a drive signal is output to motor drive circuit 18,and film 52 is fed at the speed set in step S2026. Furthermore, linearimage sensor 21 is driven in step S2032 and accepts the image, whichundergoes the image processing in image signal processing circuit 22 setby the LUT and the image processing set at image adjustment menu 60. Theprocessed image signal is stored in frame memory 3.

The actions in steps S2031 and S2032 are repeated until it is verifiedin step S2033 that acceptance of the image of one frame has beencompleted. When the determination in step S2033 is YES, themicrocomputer advances to step S2034.

The processes in steps S2034 and S2035 are the same as the processes insteps S1613 and S1614 of FIG. 16, so explanation of such is omittedhere. When the process in step S2035 is completed, the microcomputermoves to step S1917 (FIG. 19).

In step S1917, the determination is made as to whether or not the imageaccepted immediately before is the last designated frame. When thedetermination is NO, the microcomputer returns to step S1801 (FIG. 18)and repeats the above-described processes. When the determination instep S1917 is YES, the microcomputer moves to step S1918.

The steps from step S1918 to the END are the same as the processes fromstep S1716 to the END in FIG. 17, so explanation of such is omittedhere.

Being able to accept images in a designated frame order is beneficialbecause it allows the images with the highest priority to the user to beaccepted first. In particular, this is beneficial because it is possibleto select only necessary images and accept such when the recordingmedium is one having a small capacity, such as a floppy disk or thelike.

In the above-described embodiments, the position of film 52 isdetermined by perforation detectors 17 a, 17 b, 17 c and 17 d detectingperforations 53. Instead of this arrangement, it would also beacceptable to determine the position by feeding the film by a presetamount after the frame number recorded on magnetic recording part 54 isdetected by magnetic head 25.

In addition, with the above-described embodiments, the image adjustmentsettings of scanner 100 and the LUT settings and the like are recordedon magnetic recording part 54 of film 52. Consequently, when the imageis read again by the same scanner, it is not necessary to make the samesettings. Hence, it is not necessary for the user to spend time makingsettings. In addition, when the image is scanned by a different scanner,it is possible for an LUT to be set from the image information such asthe histogram of signal levels and the like recorded at the time ofprescanning, so that it is not necessary to prescan the film. Hence, thebenefit results that it is not necessary for the user to spend timemaking settings.

In addition, there is a concern that when setting information or thelike is temporarily stored on an HDD, the setting information or thelike could be erroneously erased from the HDD. However, with the aboveembodiments, image information and the like, including settinginformation and a histogram of signal levels, is recorded on the film,so the risk of erroneously erasing this information is diminished.

When information adjustment settings made by the scanner and settingsmade by the user have already been recorded on magnetic recording part54, it would also be acceptable to select either settings as theconditions for scanning, the selection made using operation unit 42.When this is done, it is possible for the user to selected either of thesettings when scanning is conducted later. Hence, it is possible forscanning to be conducted promptly with the user merely selecting thesettings.

The system according to the present invention is such that feeding ofthe film is controlled on the basis of the detection of frame numbersrecorded on the film, the detection effected by the detection means.Consequently, it is possible to feed the film accurately to a designatedframe and read the image thereon.

A start mode for film setting is described below with reference to theflowchart in FIG. 23, which is useable with any of the prescanning andor scanning embodiments described herein.

In step S2301, the determination is made, on the basis of detectionperformed by detector 11 a, as to whether a developed film cartridge 51has been loaded in cartridge loading chamber 1 a. When thisdetermination is NO, the microcomputer moves to step S2302, and warnscomputer 40 if film cartridge 51 has not been loaded or if film 52 isundeveloped. Computer 40 performs a warning display on monitor 41 inaccordance with the warning received. It would also be acceptable toprovide a display device on scanner 100 and to perform the warning onthis display device. By determining whether a developed film cartridgeis loaded, it is possible to prevent undeveloped film from beingextracted from cartridge 51 erroneously.

When the determination in step S2301 is YES, the microcomputer moves tostep S2303. In step S2303, the type of film 52, the name of themanufacturer, and whether the film is color or black and white isdetected by detector 11 a.

Next, in step S2304, a drive signal is output to motor drive circuit 12,and motor 13 is driven. The drive power of motor 13 is transferred tospool 51 b via transfer mechanism 14. Furthermore, the tip of film 52 isfed out from film exit opening 51 a in the body of the cartridge.

Next, in step S2305, the microcomputer waits for perforation detector 17a to detect perforation 53 of frame “0.” When perforation 53 is detectedin step S2305, motor 13 is driven by a specific amount in step S2306,and motor 13 is then halted in step S2307. When motor 13 is halted,motor 13 has been driven by a specific amount in step S2306 so that film52 reaches winding-side spool 16.

Next, in step S2308, drive signals are output to motor drive circuit 12and motor drive circuit 18, so that motor 13 is driven in the directionof feeding while motor 19 is driven in the direction of winding.

Next, in step S2309, the determination is made as to whether perforationdetection unit 17 a has detected the next perforation 53. Whenperforation 53 has not been detected, driving of motor 13 and motor 19is continued. When the next perforation 53 has been detected, a haltsignal is output to motor drive circuit 12 and motor drive circuit 18,causing driving of motor 13 and motor 19 to be halted (step S2310).

Once the film has been set, the user can select the prescanning processshown in FIG. 24.

In step S2401, the determination is made as to whether a mode (flag=0)is set wherein magnetic information and RGB image information are readsimultaneous with the feeding of the film, or whether a mode (flag=1) isset wherein the magnetic information is read first and then the RGBinformation is read when the film is rewound. If flag=0, themicrocomputer moves to step S2402, while if flag=1, the microcomputermoves to step S2410.

When flag=0, in step S2402 motor 13 and motor 19 rotate in a clockwisedirection, and film in cartridge 51 is fed at a constant speed. Whilethe film is being supplied at this constant speed, magnetic informationis read or written by magnetic heads 25 a and 25 b (S2403). In addition,RGB image information is read by one-dimensional CCD 21 (S2405). Becauseit is sufficient to obtain an image for film density and colorcorrection, it is not necessary to obtain exactly three image signals inRGB for each line by halting film feeding at each line.

Furthermore, in step S2404, magnetic information written on the film isoutput, and in addition, in step S2406, film images are output from theone-dimensional CCD. In step S2407, the magnetic information and theimage information is stored in frame memory 3. The recorded informationread at this time includes the frame number, the date and time ofphotography, image direction information, photograph size informationand color temperature information and the like. Image directioninformation is information indicating whether the image is an image fromvertical position photography or an image from horizontal positionphotography. Photograph size information is information indicating whatsize the photograph image is, such as normal size, panorama size,hi-vision size or half size, and is also information indicating whatportions of the photograph image are to be trimmed.

In step S2408, the determination is made as to whether film 52 has beenfed as far as the final frame. When the determination is that the filmhas not been fed as far as the final frame, the microcomputer returns tostep S2402 and driving of the motors is conducted and magneticinformation and image signals are accepted until the final frame isreached. When the determination is that the film has been fed as far asthe final frame, the microcomputer moves to step S2409. In step S2409,rewinding of the film is conducted using the motors in preparation forscanning, and the microcomputer then moves to step S2420.

On the other hand, when flag=1, in step S2410 motor 13 and motor 19rotate in a clockwise direction so that the film in cartridge 51 is fedat high speed. While the film is being fed at this constant high speed,magnetic information is read by magnetic heads 25 a and 25 b (stepS2411), the information is output (S2412) and the information isrecorded (S2413). Because only magnetic information is read, the imageon each frame can be read at a higher speed than in the case describedabove when image information is coarsely read. Similar to the casedescribed above, the recorded information read at this time includes theframe number, photograph date and time, image direction information,photograph size information and color temperature information. Imagedirection information is information indicating whether the image is animage from vertical position photography or an image from horizontalposition photography. Photograph size information is informationindicating what size the photograph image is, such as normal size,panorama size, hi-vision size or half size, and is also informationindicating what portions of the photograph image are to be trimmed.

In step S2414, the determination is made as to whether the film has beenread as far as the final frame. When reading has not been conducted upthrough the final frame, the microcomputer returns to step S2410, andthe magnetic information of the next frame is read. When reading hasbeen conducted up through the final frame, the microcomputer moves tostep S2415. The determination as to whether reading has been conductedup through the final frame is made on the basis of signals fromabove-described perforation detectors 17 a and 17 b.

In step S2415, the film is rewound at slow speed. While the film isbeing fed at this constant slow speed, one-dimensional CCD 21 reads theRGB image information (S2416), image signals are output (S2417) andimage signals are recorded (S2418). Because obtaining an image for filmdensity and color correction is sufficient, it is not necessary toobtain exactly three image signals for RGB at each line by halting thefilm feeding at each line, but an overly rough reading results if thespeed is too fast. In step S2419, the determination is made as towhether the film has been read as far as frame “0.” When reading has notbeen conducted up through frame “0,” the microcomputer returns to stepS2415, and image information on the next frame is read. When it isdetected by above-described perforation detectors 17 a and 17 b thatframe “0” has been reached, the film has been rewound. Furthermore, themicrocomputer than moves to step S2420 in order to prepare for scanning.

In step S2420, the image signals and the like stored in frame memory 3are transferred to RAM 43 in computer 40 via an SCSI interface.

In step S2421, image signals from frame memory 3 in scanner 100 areinput into computer 40 and thumbnail images are displayed on monitor 41.When this display is made, the recorded information such as frame numberor the like read from the magnetic recording layer are displayed belowthe thumbnail displays, as described above.

In addition, computer 40 outputs to recording device 44 the recordedinformation that has been sent, thereby recording the information on arecording medium. Because the image signals are images that have beenquickly read and the amount of information is therefore small, thisinformation can be recorded rapidly.

In step S2422, settings for the accumulation time of RGB for shadingcorrection and color correction at each frame, and settings of theamount of illuminating light and the like are conducted on the basis ofthe image information that has been coarsely read. Furthermore, thephotographer, after verifying the thumbnail displays and magneticrecording information on monitor 41, can indicate the frame numbers forwhich scanning is desired using keyboard 42, can indicate the readingprecision, and can further indicate the reading range. Scanning isstarted after these condition settings have been completed.

The operation of image signal processing circuit 22 and the display ofimage information on monitor 41 have been above described with referenceto FIG. 9.

Accordingly, it becomes possible to read the film image economically andwith high precision.

The picture image reading device of the present invention is a devicethat reads images on film having a magnetic recording section, the filmbeing wound and stored inside a cartridge. Furthermore, the devicecomprises prescanning and scanning means (S2402-S2406, S2410-S2413 andS2415-S2418 (FIG. 24)); conveyor means (12-13, 18-20) that conveys thefilm; conveyor control means 2 that controls the conveyor means duringprescanning so that the film is conveyed at a constant speed; retrievalmeans 25 that retrieves the information stored in the magnetic recordingsection when the film is conveyed at a constant speed by the conveyorcontrol means; and photoelectric conversion means 21 that reads theimage information and converts such into electrical signals when thefilm is conveyed at a constant speed by the conveyor means.

Because the picture image reading device that uses a one-dimensionalphotoelectric conversion means (CCD line sensor) reads image informationprecisely during a scanning operation, a single line of film is conveyedand image signals are obtained for R (red), G (green) and B (blue).

Even with a picture image reading device that uses a one-dimensionalphotoelectric conversion means, it is possible to obtain magneticrecording information and image information while conveying the film ata constant speed during prescanning. By so doing, it is possible toreduce the time needed for prescanning.

In addition, if magnetic recording information and image information areread while the film is conveyed in a first direction, control of thefilm conveying mechanism is made easy.

In addition, if the magnetic recording information is read while thefilm is conveyed at a fast speed in a first direction and the imageinformation is read while the film is conveyed at a slow speed in asecond direction, it is possible to reduce the time needed forprescanning and it is also possible to obtain a highly precise imagebecause the speed is slower during reading of the image information.

The invention has been described above with reference to preferredembodiments thereof, which are intended to be illustrative, notlimiting. Various other modifications may be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A method for processing a plurality of frames of a film, each framehaving an image, said method comprising: prescanning the image sectionsof the film at a coarse image resolution; simultaneously displaying athumbnail display of prescanned image sections on a monitor; selectingat least one frame from said thumbnail display for scanning; scanningsaid at least one selected frame at a finer image resolution; anddisplaying a selected frame which is scanned at a finer imageresolution.
 2. A method for processing a plurality of frames of a filmaccording to claim 1, wherein said prescanning and said scanning areconducted using a one-dimensional photoelectric converter.
 3. A methodfor processing a plurality of frames of a film according to claim 1,further comprising changing at least one photographic condition of atleast one of said prescanned images before scanning.
 4. A method forprocessing a plurality of frames of a film according to claim 1, whereinselecting at least one frame from said thumbnail display for scanningincludes a user designating one frame on the monitor.
 5. A method forprocessing a plurality of frames of a film according to claim 1, whereinselecting at least one frame from said thumbnail display for scanningincludes a user designating a plurality of frames on the monitor.